What Are the Requirements to Become a Private Detective?

Private detectives work independently to assist individuals, businesses and lawyers uncover information. The private detective can work for an agency or be a self-employed investigator. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, most states require licensure for private detectives. The licensing requirements vary by state. The website PayScale reports the salary range for a private detective is between $33,563 and $61,256, as of January 2011.

Education

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a private detective position does not require a formal education. Some private investigators have degrees in criminal justice before entering the field as a private detective. States may require an education in criminal justice to qualify for a license. For example, the California Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Security and Investigative Services requires a combination of experience and education for private investigators to obtain a license, while the Connecticut Department of Public Safety does not.

Experience

To obtain a license to work as a private detective, most states require experience with an agency or in police work. Experience as an insurance investigator may also qualify an individual for a license. For example, California requires candidates to have experience in addition to meeting education requirements. Experience as an insurance adjuster meets the requirements for the state.

Background Check

Criminal background checks are necessary for obtaining a license as a private detective in some states. Candidates with criminal backgrounds or felony convictions may be disqualified. During the application process, the candidate must supply the state with fingerprints to conduct the background check.

Examination

States may require the license candidate to pass an examination to qualify to practice in the state. For example, both Florida and California require candidates pass a licensing examination on state laws governing practice as an investigator.

Skills

Private detectives are good communicators, have an inquisitive and persistent nature and do not intimidate easily, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Investigators must have the ability to communicate the facts of a case to clients, and in some cases, law enforcement.

Firearms

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, investigators who carry handguns during the course of the job must meet additional state requirements. For example, the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Division of Licensing require licensees for a firearm in the state show competency with the weapon as well as submit to a thorough background check. The state of California requires private investigators to complete a three-hour power-to-arrest course and a 14-hour course in carrying and using firearms in California before qualifying to carry a handgun on the job.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Private Detectives and Investigators
• Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services Department of Licensing: Class "C" and "CC" Private Investigator Requirements
• California Department of Consumer Affairs Bureau of Security and Investigative Services: Private Investigator Fact Sheet
• Connecticut Department of Public Safety: Special Licensing and Firearms
• PayScale: Hourly Rate Snapshot for Private Detective or Investigator Jobs